Morocco edge Algeria to book WAFCON quarter-final spot

Sanaa Mssoudy's late goal in the 84th minute secured a crucial 1-0 victory for hosts Morocco over Algeria in a tense Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group match, booking their place in the quarter-finals.

The match, a top-of-the-table clash between North African neighbors, saw Algeria defending resolutely under pressure. However, they were ultimately punished for leaving the Moroccan winger unmarked. After Algeria cleared a corner, the ball was returned into the goalmouth, where Mssoudy controlled it with her left foot and struck it past goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi with her other foot to break the deadlock. The goal came as a relief in a match that had seemed destined for a goalless draw.

Mssoudy, a 26-year-old player for African club champions FAR Rabat, is among several Moroccan players eager to win the prestigious tournament. Morocco, having hosted the last two WAFCON tournaments, reached the final on both occasions but suffered defeats against South Africa in 2022 and Nigeria in 2024, notably surrendering a two-goal lead in the latter final.

Morocco dominated possession throughout the match, but the well-organized Algerian defense effectively blocked numerous shots, limiting serious threats to N’Gazi. The narrow 1-0 scoreline was not surprising, given the close proximity of the teams in the world rankings, with Morocco at 64th and Algeria at 74th. This victory propelled Morocco to six points after two group matches, placing them in a strong position. Algeria and Senegal each have three points, while Kenya remains pointless. Morocco will face Senegal in their final group match, while Algeria plays Kenya.

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She controlled the ball with her left foot, then stabbed it past goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi with her other foot to break the deadlock in a match that had seemed destined to end goalless.